OTT platforms mandated to show anti-tobacco warnings

Source: The post is based on the article “OTT platforms mandated to show anti-tobacco warnings” published in The Hindu on 30th May 2023

What is the News?

Union Health Ministry has recently amended the rules under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2004. The amendment made it mandatory for over-the-top (OTT) streaming platforms to display anti-tobacco warnings as seen in movies screened in theatres and TVs.\

What are the recent amendments to the rules under the COPTA?

Publishers of online curated content displaying tobacco products, or their use will be required to display anti-tobacco health spots at the beginning and middle of the programme.

They shall also be required to exhibit an anti-tobacco health warning as a prominent static message at the bottom of the screen when tobacco products or their use are displayed during the programme.

The anti-tobacco health warning message as specified in clause(b) of sub-rule (1) shall be legible and readable, with font in black colour on white background and with the warnings ‘Tobacco causes cancer’ or ‘Tobacco kills’. Health spots and audio-visual disclaimers will have to be in the same language as used in the show.

If the publisher of online curated content fails to comply with the provisions, then an inter-ministerial committee shall issue notice to the OTT platforms.